Mansfield Park (dramatic reading)

Mansfield Park is Jane Austen's 1814 novel focusing on Fanny Price, the daughter of a poor Portsmouth family, who is taken to live with her aunt and uncle Bertram's family on their estate at the age of ten. Surrounded by her wealthy and privileged cousins, and continually reminded of her lower status by her bullying Aunt Norris, Fanny grows up timid and shy, but with a strong sense of ethics, partly instilled by her kindly cousin Edmund. Fanny's gratitude and friendship for Edmund gradually grow into love, but the introduction of Mary and Henry Crawford, a captivating sister and brother, into the neighborhood of Mansfield Park, confuses and complicates the affections of the Bertram household. In this recording, LibriVox volunteers lend their voices to the colorful cast of characters in Austen's classic novel. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

Reviews

fantastic rendering

(5 stars)

DarthLaurel

Many thanks to all of the readers who contributed to this. For those who dislike the two main characters, I have this to say: by the end of the novel, it is obvious that the author disagrees with you regarding the value of the Crawfords. She sides very strongly with Fanny and Edmund and reprobates in the strongest terms of her time, the decisions and character of the Crawfords. This is a story about the contrast between the values and manners of the city and the countryside. The city does not fair well in the telling.

Great Recording, Dull Book

(3 stars)

null

The various readers' performances were very nicely done. The book itself can be rather boring. Fanny's and Edmund's hypocrisy and judgemental views on everyone surrounding them make them extremely less likeable than I assume Austen wanted them to be. They are written to be protagonists and sweet but really just come off as obnoxious. The Crawfords, on the other hand, are meant to be villains, but in reality are normal people and vastly more interesting than the lead characters.

(3 stars)

Not my favorite Austen, but good reading!

There were times that I strongly identified with Fanny, but overall she wasn't a very pleasant heroine. I actually found the Crawfords the most interesting characters in the novel, and I looked forward to their epilogue the most. Not my favorite Austen, definitely. Great recording, though! Fanny and Mary's voice actors were especially great, and although I was thrown off by the mix of American and British accents, everyone did really well!

ljbrookens

(1 stars)

This book gives me a more favorable view in the French Revolution - it would be a mercy to sweep away these pointless lives with their sanctimonious, but Godless, morality. They all need to get real jobs in the real world. I absolutely love Pride And Prejudice, but I absolutely hate Mansfield Park.

Incredible

(5 stars)

Kirstie

It brought laughs from my mouth and tears to my eyes, I even clenched my teeth a few times when I was angry at what people did. Awesome readers, I could hear every voice clearly and the narrator was amazing. ððððð

Very well done!

(5 stars)

Love the classics

Since this is one of my favorite Austen books, I was pleased to hear it so well done. A few strange mispronunciations by the narrator, but otherwise very enjoyable. Thanks to all the readers!

Wonderful Literature

(5 stars)

H. Smith

This is the first book by Jane Austen that I have ever heard. I quite enjoyed it. It’s a classic story of love, and stresses good morels.

(5 stars)

null

Though it took a while to get used to the dramatic reading, once I did, it soon became a delightful way to enjoy this story. Loved it!